Fela Anikulapo Kuti's work enjoys posthumous revival

Abami Eda Lives on: Starting November 23, musical theater fans visiting New York won't just be angling for tickets to Broadway productions of "Chicago," "Mamma Mia!" and "Rock of Ages." They'll also have the chance to see "Fela!" -- a new musical at the Eugene O'Neill Theater about the influential Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, and the opportunity to choose Afrobeat over show tunes, ABBA hits and Disney songs.

What's at stake in this Broadway venture, however, is much more than recreational tourist dollars. The show will help find a larger audience for Kuti, who before his death in 1997 pioneered Afrobeat from the sounds of James Brown and West African high-life music, became a political icon in his native Nigeria and earned the admiration of everyone from Paul McCartney to the Brazilian singer Gilberto Gil.

Rikki Stein, Kuti's former co-manager and the executor of his estate, plans to capitalize on this exposure to cement his legacy as one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.

"I have an abiding regret that Fela never achieved the recognition he deserved during his lifetime," Stein says. "We have a long row to hoe in terms of general knowledge and acceptance."

ALBUM REISSUES

In addition to green-lighting "Fela!," Kuti's estate has licensed his catalog to the newly revived Knitting Factory Records. The well-timed deal will result in the reissue of Kuti's complete catalog -- 45 albums -- during the next 12 years.

"The industry always talks about who the next big legacy artist will be," says Ian Wheeler, label manager of Knitting Factory Records. "It should have been Fela years ago. We're really trying to bring a new audience around the world, and particularly in the U.S., to his music."

Up first is the October 27 release "The Best of the Black President," a compilation of Kuti's best-known material. The set is being sold at previews of "Fela!" and at Felabrations, a series of Afrobeat DJ parties organized by Knitting Factory Records and its marketing partner, Giant Step.

"We're a conduit for raising awareness of Afrobeat," says DJ Rich Medina, who founded the Kuti tribute party Jump N' Funk in 2001 and headlined four of 18 Felabrations nationwide. "It's a way of helping the cause."

"The first thing we're doing is galvanizing the core base of Fela fans," Giant Step founder/CEO Maurice Bernstein says, "then using the messaging to make him relevant in a universal way. You can live in Detroit and understand what (the famous Kuti saying) 'Music is the weapon' means, just like you would Bob Marley's 'One Love' or Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On?'"

The first batch of reissues arrive February 2: "The '69 Los Angeles Sessions," "Live With Ginger Baker," "London Scene"/"Shakara," "Rodoforofo Fight," "Open & Close"/"Afrodisiac" and "Gentleman"/"Confusion." It's not only the first time Kuti's early London recordings with Koola Loobitos will be reissued but also the debut of his catalog on vinyl, which Knitting FactoryVampire Weekend. hopes will attract a new generation of music collectors who listen to African-influenced bands like

"Every day there are traces of new people discovering Fela's music," Wheeler says. "But there has never been a swell of activity around him like this."

Though MCA reissued Kuti's catalog in 2001, Bernstein, who also helped market that series, says its potential wasn't fully realized. "MCA was a major label, and no matter how much they said they loved Fela and how important he was, he was definitely lost in the shuffle," he says.

Stein is all too familiar with labels' conflicted admiration for Kuti. In the mid-'80s, he says he met with every major about the prospect of a deal. "They all received me respectfully and saw Fela as akin to Miles Davis or any of the jazz greats," Stein recalls. "But they'd ask: 'Rikki, which three minutes of this 18-minute song do you want me to put on the radio?' "

"I'd ask Fela to write me a small tune," Stein adds. "He used to say, 'I'm writing African classical music. Don't mess with Tchaikovsky.'"

A deal nearly came to fruition in 1993, when then-Motown Records president Jheryl Busby offered Kuti a five-album deal under his new Africa-oriented label, with a $1.3 million advance for each album and another $1 million for full ownership of Kuti's catalog, Stein says. But after talking to his spirit advisers, Kuti refused to sign until April 1995. Busby left Motown the week of the scheduled signing, and Andre Harrell's first action as Motown's new president was to ax the African label.

BODY/MIND EXPERIENCE

In Knitting Factory Records and the producers of "Fela!," Stein has found partners who are more attuned to the cause of expanding Kuti's legacy.

"Fela!" re-creates the Shrine, the Lagos, Nigeria, nightclub where Kuti played multiple nights each week with his band, Africa 70. A collective of singers, dancers and musicians performs Kuti songs including "Shakara," "Zombie" and "Teacher Don't Teach Me Nonsense" behind lead actor Sahr Ngaujah, who won an Obie Award for his spot-on portrayal of Kuti in the show's Off Broadway run last year. The effect is less stuffy theater and more raucous concert -- just as its creators intended.

"The Broadway experience can be like sitting with blinders on," "Fela!" director/choreographer Bill T. Jones says. "This is a show you enjoy as much with your body as with your mind. It's free and communal."

"There was a constant struggle between keeping Fela's music pure and deconstructing it for the audience," says the show's musical director, Aaron Johnson, who translated Kuti's Yoruba and pidgin lyrics and is also the conductor/trombonist of the acclaimed Afrobeat band Antibalas. "I've been very pleasantly surprised with the response so far."

Nor have the most controversial aspects of Kuti's life been smoothed over, from his simultaneous "wedding" to 27 women to his clashes with the Nigerian government that led to a brutal 1977 attack on his Kalakuta compound. "It's all out there," Stein says. "Fela has not been sanitized."

That hasn't done anything to quell the show's positive word-of-mouth, the result in no small part to the fact that tastemaker musicians like the Roots' Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson have sung its praises. Jay-Z called it "fantastic" after attending a show, fueling reports that the rapper will become involved with it in an official capacity.

"There's going to be an enormous incentive for people to investigate Fela when they know that Jay-Z, Will Smith and Alicia Keys are all rabid fans," Stein says. "It's a sign that the underground is moving overground."

Further proof that a Kuti revival of sorts is under way: A screenplay for a biopic is in the works, to be directed by the U.K. filmmaker Steve McQueen ("Hunger").

"I believe that with the show, the film and the reissues, a lot is going to change," Stein says. "We'll see a much wider audience for Fela. There were a million people at his funeral shouting, 'Fela will live forever.' Of course, they were right."

(Editing by SheriLinden at Reuters)

NEW YORK (Billboard)

Another Hot Single From Nigerian Megastar “9ice”

Barely two weeks after dropping the first single off his up coming album “Tradition” 9ice hits us with the energy. “Energy” the latest single from 9ice has had people anticipating its release since its teaser was posted online.

In this feel good song, 9ice shows us he can be versatile by fine tuning his style and playing with different languages without drawing too far from what makes him 9ice. He doesn’t disappoint with fluidity in his lyrics, playing with words, and still reminding us about his happiness.


Energy produced by Cheepo, who is currently one of the hottest producers on market will have you dancing and bobbing your head to the tune while still reminding you that 9ice is infact a true modern connoisseur of our Tradition.

Gbamu Gbamu and now Energy leave us without a doubt that Tradition will be very well worth the listen and constant rotation.

Links to the song
http://iLike.com/s/AH5ZA
http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/1949031

From: 9ice Facebook Fan Group.

One post, one topic, three news stories.

With this post I will attempt to deftly and skillfully weave three recent news stories into a single thread of one topic. So, here goes.

"It's just sad to see that in this day and age, the most offensive thing on a shirt can be what people see as a religious symbol" That is a quote from Stephanie Bennis, a senior at Penn State University which finds itself in the midst of a controversy over a t-shirt design that closely resembles a Christian cross.

For more on this story, follow the link; http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,569665,00.html?test=latestnews

"carving out a tiny parcel of property in the midst of this vast preserve -- like a doughnut hole with the cross atop it -- will do nothing to minimize the impermissible governmental endorsement" of the religious symbol. That is a quote from a 2004 California appeals court decision concerning a cross placed as a WWI veteran's memorial over 75 years ago. One man is suing, seeking the cross' removal because he feels people of other faiths may find it offensive.

For more on this story, follow the link; http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/07/high-court-takes-case-cross-public-land/

"That's when I was told it had to come off, or I would be sent home. So they sent me home for six straight days without pay. And then today they terminated me," 20 year-old Trevor Keezer said about his firing from a Florida Home Depot store for wearing and American flag lapel pin that also contained the words "One nation under God.." Keezer also said he had worked there and worn the pin for 19 months before this became a problem and that it only became a problem after he started bringing his Bible to work with him.

For more on the this story, follow the links; http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/sfl-button-fired-bn102609,0,3892174.story

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,569635,00.html?test=latestnews

Do you see the common thread here?? It pains me greatly to say this, but Obama may have been right when he asserted recently that America is no longer a Christian nation. Why else would an image on a t-shirt that unintentionally resembles a cross, a cross placed in the Mojave Desert seven decades ago to honor fallen WWI veterans, and a lapel pin that contains an American flag and the words "one nation under God" be so offensive to some people?

I must say I am pleasantly surprised and very pleased with the stance taken by officials at Penn State concerning the t-shirt issue. They are essentially telling the complainers to stop their whining and move on. They are not pulling the shirts from campus bookstores, and the complaints haven't been enough to keep them from selling out. Over 30,000 of them have been sold so far. Here's a novel idea, if the idea of wearing something that could resemble a cross offends you, DON'T BUY THE STINKING SHIRT!!

The incident of the guy being fired from Home Depot over the lapel pin issue is far more disturbing to me than the others for a few reasons. It is not only an attack on faith, but also on patriotism. The pin didn't make exclusive reference to God, it also contained an image of the American flag. The phrase "one nation under God" is in our pledge of allegiance. So, what Home Depot has done, whether intentionally or unintentionally, is show a disdain not only for God, but also for our nation's flag, and for the pledge of allegiance.

This guy had every right in a free country to wear that pin, and to bring his Bible to work. I mean, come one, common sense says that if Home Depot wants to be fair about this they would ban the wearing of ALL pins regardless of content, and would prohibit employees from books of ANY KIND to work with them. Of course that seems a bit too strong so instead they chose to attack the faith and patriotism of a God-fearing, freedom loving employee who in his 19 months working there had been a exemplary employee and had won 6 Homer awards, the highest honor a Home Depot employee can attain. Home Depot doesn't deserve Trevor Keezer. He has way too much to class for them.

Are you a patriotic American who loves his country and freedom? Are you a person of faith who believes everyone should have the right to freedom of religion and freedom of expression including Christians? If so, then Home Depot doesn't deserve one more dime of your money from this point forward. I am not one who typically calls for boycotts and such, but that is exactly what I am doing in this case.

Enough is enough! And in this case it is too much. Until Home Depot rescinds their decision to fire this fine man and adjusts their policies on such matters, then they should suffer the consequences financially. Home Depot must pay, and pay dearly for this obvious, blatant, and intentional attack on the faith, freedom, and patriotism of one individual. I can't speak for anyone else on this issue, but I can tell you I am tired of all this politically correct crap. ALWAYS REMEMBER this; America was founded by Godly men on Christian principles with the Bible as the farmework. If you don't like this fact or if it offends you, TOUGH! You are free to leave the country at any time.

Jim L. Chitty
Writer/Columnist/Blogger

Breasts war in Nigeria: Ladies with big boobs compete for prize

Are you a lady blessed with big and beautiful breasts? Are you proud of the endowment and willing to flaunt them? If yes, this is an opportunity for you to use what you have to get what you need. However, the breasts must be natural, not those augmented or ‘pumped,’ as they say in local parlance.

Indeed, a Lagos organization, Salty Land Ventures Nigeria Limited, is organizing a unique pageant for ladies with jumbo size breasts, offering mouth-watering prizes to the winners and participants.
Disclosing this to Saturday Sun, the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of the outfit, Mr. Chimezie Egwu- Obasi, remarked that the event is not just about the size of breasts but a celebration of beauty, using unique or uncommon parameters.

He said: “Until recently, when a woman is blessed with extra-large breasts, people look at her somehow, and sometimes such women do not have self- confidence; they tend to be ashamed of their configuration. But gradually, all these are beginning to change.

Society no longer looks at such women with scorn or indignity and the women themselves have rediscovered themselves and are no longer lacking in confidence. In fact, it is not a secret that big breasts are in vogue today. The situation is such that ladies are now acquiring or buying bigger and firmer breasts with the help of medical science provided that they have the wherewithal to do so. What I am saying in effect is that the figures people made jest of in the past have become the desire of many men. So, in a way, the whole thing is evolving, like fashion. But this project is about natural breasts, big and beautiful breasts; the authentic breasts of real African ladies. These are the ones we aim to project and promote even to the global stage. We are saying that you can be beautiful and proud even with a huge burst.”

Obasi said that the pageant becomes imperative due to the wrong definition ascribed to beauty in some climes, which unfortunately our people have started seeing as acceptable standard.

He added: “One other thing we took into consideration prior to embarking on the project is the fact that many of our ladies now bare their breasts in the name of fashion. Everywhere you go these days, including places of worship and corporate environments, you see ladies pushing out their breasts for all to see. So, what we are now saying is those ladies who bare their breasts to the world for free can now show their stuff in a competition with others and win fantastic prizes. Instead of the free shows going on all over the place, generously endowed ladies are being given the opportunity to use what they have in a more beneficial way. With what we are doing, it is a win-win situation, so to say.”

On the take home package for the winning breasts, he explained: “Everybody is a winner. The overall winner and the contestants will all go home with something fantastic. This pageant is unique in every way.” Explaining that discussions with sponsors are ongoing, even as legion of sponsors want to be part of the show, he added that contestants must be single and not less than 18 years of age.

The lab scientist further said that the projet will also include teaching the participants how to care for ther breasts, noting that these are important parts of women. according t him, the participants will be taught how to measure themselves properly, stressing: “It is a fact that some women wear the wrong size and end up causing discomfort and health hazards to themselves. They also ruin their figure with ill-fitting bra, so we will teach them how to pick the right sizes and more”.

By HENRY UMAHI
Sun News On-Line

Yoruba Movies

Leading Yoruba Movie Stars 2008

Lola Alao:

Lola Alao has been in the Yoruba movie industry for some time, but her skills have not waned. Although she has pulled her weight in the industry over the years, the outgoing year has been particularly eventful for the actress. She has appeared in virtually all the Yoruba movies. Besides, she also produced some hit Yoruba movies.

Ronke Oshodi-Oke:
She is not only well endowed in the upper region, Ronke Oshodi-Oke knows her onions when it comes to acting. Having made a mark in the Yoruba movie industry, it is not a surprise that directors and producers are always running after her. 2008 has not been anything different. For her, it has been a fruitful year.

Toyin Aimakhu:
Irrespective of the scandals that have trailed her in the outgoing year, Toyin Aimakhu sustained her wonderful acting skills. A young producer, Toyin came into the movie industry not too long ago but has taken the industry by storm.

Bukky Wright:
A graduate of Economics, Bukky Wright has been able to sustain her reputation as a versatile actress who is always at home with any role she finds herself playing. In spite of having been in circulation in the Yoruba movie industry for many years, she remains a strong actress who would give other actresses a run for their money.

Saheed Balogun:
He sure has many reasons to count his blessings this year. Last year, he survived an accident that nearly claimed his life. But he came back on track in 2008.In spite of his marital problems, the actor remained on top of his game in 2008.

Femi Branch:
Handsome hunk, Femi Branch, is the man of the moment in the Yoruba movie industry. His profile in the industry has enjoyed a meteoric rise and the actor does not seem prepared to slow down the pace.He has had a lot of movies to his credit this year and seems to have overtaken many who were there before him.

Fathia Balogun:
Formerly married to Saheed Balogun, Fathia is one actress who never allowed scandals or marital problems to affect her career.She has always been a wonderful actress, and she continued to endear herself to fans with her skills in the outgoing year.

Meet the Next Genevieve Nnaji: Vanessa Nzegwu

By Benjamin NJOKU

She’s a self-taught visual artist and a screen goddess, who holds a lot of promise for her generation. Right from when she launched into the mainstream movie world some few years ago, Vanessa Nzegwu is an actress to admire and watch on screen

Since she started experimenting on canvass, Vanessa may not have abandoned her love for acting, as she admits that “acting is what I have loved to do in life.” In this encounter with HVP, this beautiful actress recounts her journey into the world of make-believe, what defines her relationships with the opposite sex, and her expectations in life.

When was your first movie?

I acted my first movie in 2003. I ‘ve been in and out of the industry. I started from Kano before I moved to Enugu. I wanted to act and sometimes, the job doesn’t come easily. And so, you have to try your hands in some other things.
Vanessa Nzegwu

But after awhile, I decided to come back to the industry to try my luck. In the past, I did some movies where some producers gave me roles that I did not like.

So, I turned them down but they said, ‘oh! She’s rude, she’s this..or that…’. Why don’t I just take a break since I’ ve done something good before now?

How long was the break?

That was in 2004. I came back in 2005 to do a movie before I stayed off screen again for sometime. I wasn’t back into Nollywood until recently.

You started out from Kano ….

Yes, I started from Kano but it was on stage. I can’t exactly remember the name of that play that launched me into the world of acting. I just finished my secondary school education then, and found myself acting on stage. It didn’t take me much time to venture into Nollywood.

From Kano, how did you break into Nollywood?

When I started on stage, there were some actors that were invited to Kano State to watch us perform on stage.
Vanessa Nzegwu

The likes of Sam Loco Efe and Tom Njamanze. After watching us on stage, they passed a remark, saying to me, “ You’re good.

We are going to have productions in Enugu.” They invited me to join them, since according to them, I have all it takes to be an actress. I took time to think about it, before making up my mind to give it a trial.

As it were, I travelled to Enugu to launch out, and the very first day I arrived the Coal City, I got a role. For me, it was quite encouraging and I decided to stay. But then….

How did you get the role in Enugu?

I had to register as a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria(AGN). I actually went to Enugu for registration.

But when I got there, it was the job that came calling. So, I said to myself ‘what are you going back to do?

Why not just stay back, and get more jobs for yourself?’ Because then, we had very few people who could be good in acting in Enugu. That was how I stayed back. I left Enugu for Lagos. The place appeared to be static for me.

There were no challenges coming my way. And the kind of roles that were given to me were not challenging as such.

I needed someone to challenge me; to make me stand up and face the realities of acting. I needed someone to tell me, “You need to do more than what you’re doing,” and I felt I could have that here in Lagos. So, I moved down to Lagos, and so far I’ve been in Lagos and am still in Lagos.

In the movie you acted in, you’re in love with the guy and along the line, you started feeling jealous. In real life situation, are you jealous?

The way I reacted there, even though it’s a script, is something a whole lot of women would do, and even worse.

Some would even go to the extent of attacking their partner. But my character there wasn’t that violent. So, I couldn’t do more than what I was told to do. But then, as a person, I like being sincere to people. I think I will have time to think about what I did wrong or why he took that course of action.

Because for me to have accepted you as partner, you should be able to tell me what you can and cannot do. And if eventually you did it, and you’re truly sincere and show remorse and no matter how you cry and say I don’t love you, at the end of the day, you will still come back to that guy.

What do you think of yourself?

I think am someone God has created to set things right, to help the less-privileged, and in as much as I don’t have the whole world, I try to do my best with the little I have.

What are your assets ?

By assets, if you mean what I can make money with them, I will say my hands. Because without my hands, I cannot make money.

Considering the fact that you are a very beautiful woman, what can you say about the many men that come around you?

I try as much as possible to be down to earth with them. I try to make them comfortable but not too comfortable. And I try to let them know that this is how far I can go with them, unlike some people who will try to give in because there is no other way out. I try to be diplomatic about it.

Are into a relationship?

Yes, I am.

Is it one that will likely lead to marriage?

You don’t predict what will happen. You just do your own part by finding someone who suits you and then you let God do the rest.

What do you look out for in a man?

I look out for naturalist. You just have to be natural. You have to be sensitive, and also, you have to be creative. When I mean creative, I mean being able to make out something out of nothing even when it looks like all hope is lost, you’re able to put yourself together and say I have what it takes and I can make something out of this.

You are a good dancer.

Thanks a lot.

So do you go to parties?

Yes, once in a while, I go to parties.

Have you ever broken somebody’s heart before?

That’s something I have to really think about. The way I handle my fans is the same way I handle my relationships.

In a sense that after awhile, if you find out that it’s not something that is leading you to the next level, you look for a way of ending it amicably. Both parties would decide and at the end of the day, you remain friends because you never can tell where you will meet yourselves again and what you can benefit from that person.

How do you describe the word, love?

To me, love is a gradual thing. Sometimes, you can see love as being stupid. You can also do stupid things for love. It’s just doing something different from the normal things that you do.

Have you ever been disappointed by friends?

Yes. Most times, I ‘ve been disappointed by friends.

Was it in a relationship?

In relationship, I would not say, I’ve had so many disappointments. Sometimes, we end up being friends. So, at the end of the day, nobody is hurt.

Where do you hope to see yourself in the next few years?

In the next few years, I see myself in the international scene and am working very hard towards it. And then, whatever is making those people better than us, I will be able to bring it back and make the industry a better one.

At the same time, I am hope to set the structure for the up and coming fine artists.

Kangana Ranaut Hot Wallpapers Gallery

Kangana Ranaut Sexy Wallpaper in Hot Saree


Kangana Ranaut Sexy Wallpapers


Kangana Ranaut Fashion Movie Wallpaper


Kangana Ranaut Free Wallpaper


Kangana Ranaut High Quality Desktop Wallpaper


Kangana Ranaut Hot Wallpaper In Sexy Red Dress

One of the most disturbing emails I have gotten recently

This is a message from my friend who was mayor in Lubbock, Windy Sitton. She attended all the White House Christmas parties during both Bush years. This is a personal message to me and not a "scare tactic" from unknowns on the internet. Pretty much says it all.

Thought you might be interested in this information from the White House. This isn't a rumor; this is a fact.

We have a friend at church who is a very talented artist. For several years she, among many others, has painted ornaments to be hung on the various White House Christmas trees. The White House sends out an invitation to send an ornament and informs the artists of the theme for the year

She got her letter from the White House recently. It said that they would not be called Christmas trees this year. They will be called Holiday trees. And, to please not send any ornaments painted with a religious theme.

She was very upset at this development and sent back a reply telling them that she painted the ornaments for Christmas trees and would not be sending any for display that left Christ out of Christmas.

Just thought you should know what the new residents in the White House (the Obamas) plan for the future of America. If you missed his statement that "we do not consider ourselves a Christian Nation" this should confirm that he plans to take us away from our religious foundation as quickly as possible.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I would say this to the Obamas; if you guys want to call it a holiday tree instead of a Christmas tree go right ahead. If you want to observe Christmas as something other than a Christian holiday go right ahead. But if you choose to do so, by all means please call it something other than Christmas. Christmas is a holiday celebrated by Christians and patriotic Americans who understand and appreciate its historical origins. And Mr. President, since it appears you are neither Christian or American, feel free to observe whatever you wish on December 25 and call it whatever you wish. As for me and my family, and most if not all patriotic Americans, we will observe Christmas by celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ as was intended. And neither you nor any of your cronies in Washington, not any legislation or government edict will hinder or prevent me from doing so.

So with that I will say this; I know its a little early, but Merry CHRISTmas Mr. President. And if the reference to Christ somehow bothers or oddends you, GOOD! Your attempts to take Christ out of Christmas and out of America at large offends and disgusts me, so we are even. You disgust me.

Jim L. Chitty
Writer/Columnist/Blogger
"There are American and there are Liberals. Which one are you?"

Hypocrites

Is just me, or do you also see the irony and hypocrisy of people who are pro-abortion and have kids or have a baby on the way? They want the rest of us to kill our babies and want doing so to be looked at as normal and acceptable. Why shouldn't abortion be acceptable, after all its just a fetus, right? Its not a child its a choice.

Wrong! A choice doesn't have a heartbeat, a child does. A choice doesn't give you the "thumbs up" sign in the 28 week sonogram picture, a child does. In an abortion, one heart stops and one heart breaks. Abortion is NOT healthcare, its MURDER. I guess its easy to be pro-abortion when you're not the one being KILLED.

I call on all those who call themselves pro-abortion and are expecting to step up to the plate and lead by example. If you believe so fervently in your cause, then abort your baby. Go ahead and murder your innocent unborn child like you encourage everyone else to do. Then tell me how ardently pro-abortion you are.

Jim Chitty
Writer/Columnist/Blogger
"There are Americans and there are Liberals. Which one are you?"

Genevieve Nnaji speaks on her beauty secret

Can you reveal 3 beauty products that you can't do without and why?
Genevieve "I can't do without makeup remover. I've discovered the monent you don't properly wash and clean your face, especially before going to bed, you end up with filth penetrating your pores and the result is spots and acne. I use N0 7 White Makep -up remover and it works fine for me. I also like face washes and I couldn't live without 'Shiseido range'. I've been using it for years now and I've found it works for me. The third product I couldn't do without is the Shiseido toner. It's good because it clears away all the last residue of your cleanser. Its called Softener and is very gentle on your skin.

What's your best beauty advise?
Genevieve "Something I would recommend for any woman is whenever you have the opportunity, let your skin breath. We need oxygen and air on the naked skin. Maybe it's because I have a career in acting, I appear on TV, in films and in adverts so we tend to wear makeup quite often. I find that when I don't need to wear makeup, I let my skin breath. I cleanse, tone, moisturise, and let my skin breath. If you are going to the gym or going to the market, you don't need to wear make-up. The skin in it's natural state eals itself and gets the opportunity to rejuvenate itself.

What other things do you do to keep looking good?
Genevieve "Getting enough sleep is very good, although having said that, I don't think I personally get as much sleep as I should. Apart from sleep, also visit the gym. I used to go every day but I'm trying to cut it down to every other day. I think you need toned, lean muscles and that's what exercise does. My basic routine is running on the threadmill for about 40minutes, then the exercise bike for about 20minutes and then I do a bit of weights to help tone the arms and thighs. I also play squash and tennis occasionally.

Lipstick or lipgloss?
Genevieve "I have very small lips, when you have tiny lips you end up with the colour everywhere but on your lips where you want it. I think lipgloss suits me better. I love Victoria Secrets glosses. The one I tend to use is nude, and it has a tinge of pink.

What kinds of things do you like doing to your hair?
Genevieve "It's weavon, weavon, weavon I'm afraid. I like curly weaveon. I do braids but I can say probably every four years. I actually like natural hair. My hair is moderately long. The last time I wore my natural hair somebody actually walked up to me and asked me if I were broke! I'm serious. I just said OK, that's the last time I go au naturel. (Laughs).

What do you do to relax?
Genevieve "I find it difficult to sit still for long. Other than a manicure and pedicure, I don't do anything. I don't really like massages. Apart from the fact that I don't enjoy someone touching me like that, by the time I've spent ten minutes there I would just feel that I could be doing something else with my time. I have such little patience. I don't mind watching films when I have time and I like watching TV series.

What's your favourite colour?
Genevieve "Earlier in my career when I was receiving so much attention, I thought that if I wore more black I would be less conspicuous, it didn't work. (laughs). Anyway, I still do a lot of black, I think it suits my complexion. I don't really like bright colours because they make me look 'clown like'. But Ive started mixing my blacks with colour.

How would you describe your style?
Genevieve "I like simple things, I treasure comfort. What I feel comfortable in, makes me feel confident. What I wear usually depend on the occasion".

What's your fashion fetish?
Genevieve "I have to say bags and jewellery. I just love bags. I think it's because I'm really a get-up-and-go kind of person. I'm very much into putting on a pair of jean, a top and I'm ready to go. That's the tomboy part of me coming out. (laughs). I like that look and the only thing that can make you look 'dressed' is a really good bag. I love the artistry of bags. I love the artwork and craftsmanship that goes into making a really good bag. I don't really go for trends, I prefer classic looks and bags that can last forever and never go out of style.

Would you ever consider plastic surgery?
Genevieve "I always say never say never. Realistically this is what I do for a living. This is what puts money in my pocket and food on my table and you do have to do what you have to do. So I have to make sure I look good. Who knows in 20 years how I feel? The truth is that our industry relies a lot on the way you look, that's why I'm doing everything I can not to resort to the knife in the future. That's why I go to the gym to get the fat out and look toned and leaned

She shared her beauty secrets with Desola Bakare of Encomium magazine

Beautiful Black Locks: The Keys to Great Black Hair

Bobs and crops are bold and beautiful but if you want longer, healthier hair we’ve got some tips for you.

Cut the damage. If your ends are fried and tried, scraggly and haggard, disappearing and raggedy let them go. They may add to the length but long doesn’t always mean pretty. Visit your stylist and tell her to cut until it’s even and healthy.

Increase circulation. You can do this in two ways.

1) Get up off of the couch and get your heart pumping. Exercise, it just keeps coming back doesn’t it.

2) Give yourself a daily scalp massage using your fingertips.

You are what you eat. What goes in helps what comes out. Foods rich in vitamins A, B, C and E are essential for growing healthy hair and iron and zinc are proven to help your hair grow its fastest.

Keep it clean, especially if you use a lot of products. Remember, the days of petroleum and mineral oil based hair grease and conditioners have retired. Product build-up can clog follicles and prevent your hair from growing. Be sure to shampoo often (talk to your stylist about how often is often enough for you) and give your hairbrushes and combs a weekly cleansing too so that you’re not re-brushing in old dirt and oil.

Be kind. Long hair is old hair. Swap abrasive products for gentler ones formulated for your hair type. Add a deep treatment or hair mask to your regimen and try to stay away from heat-styling appliances.

Get regular trims. You want your hair to stay undamaged and split-end free. Otherwise you’ll end up back where you started

Black Women and Hair Growth

A lot of us struggle with hair growth, breakage, and all around treatment. Hair is sometimes a burden, and almost always a job to maintain. This problem in the African American hair community may finally have some answers...or at least suggestions we can try.

From researching black hair growth all around the web, I have found some tips to help, and they also adjust your diet a bit.


Ways To Grow Black Hair

1. Eat Leafy Greens.

These veggies have some vitamins that can help: vitamin A, C, Calcium and Fiber. Our usual Sunday dinner greens can help with hair growth if you eat them more than once a week. Try adding collard greens, spinach, lettuce and kale to your weekly diet.


2. Eat More Protein.

Eating such foods as fish, nuts, beans and meat provide you with the necessary protein that can help hair growth. If you're not much of a cooker, try protein shakes.


3. Take Vitamins.

Amino Acids, Vitamin B, and Omega 3 and 6 are some necessary vitamins you can add to your diet that help hair growth. If you're not one for taking pills, try adding foods that contain these vitamins.


4. Watch What You Drink.

Water, water and more water. You can't go wrong with lots of water! Not only does water help your body, it helps your hair growth by transporting necessary nutrients to your scalp. Cut back or cut out the alcohol, sugary drinks and acids.


5. Use Natural Hair Care Products.

If the box or bottle boasts something you know is edible, it's probably good for your hair! Try things with olive oil or carrot oil. Try products such as those from the Beauty 4 Ashes hair care line. (discoverb4a.com)

Pictures of Justin Bieber Kissing Jasmine Villegas inside a Car

Here are more pictures of Justin Bieber kissing Jasmine Villegas inside a car:

Photo credits: TMZ

Differences between Men and women - True Life Joke

Friendship Between Women

A woman didn’t come home one night.

The next morning she told her husband that she had slept over at a friend’s house. The man called his wife’s 10 best friends. None of them knew anything about it.

Friendship Between Men

A man didn’t come home one night.

The next morning he told his wife that he had slept over at a friend’s house. The woman called her husband’s 10 best friends, eight of which confirmed that he had slept over, and two said that he was still there.

Having good friends can be the difference between being poor or being rich!

Richest Country in the World - Luxembourg

I saw this list and was amazed seeing lot of middle eastern countries and i couldn't imagine Equatorial Guinea on the List... I might plan a visit there sometimes

10. Switzerland – $39,800 (GDP per capita)

This cheese making country is considered to be one of the most neutral countries in the world. During World War 2, people from other European countries deposited their money in the banks of Switzerland, knowing that their money would be safer there than in their home countries. Some well known Swiss companies include Nestle, Logitech, Rolex and Credit Suisse.

9. Equatorial Guinea – $44,100

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea is a country in Central Africa. Most people have never heard of it. This country flew into stardom after 1996 when large oil reserves were found in the nation of only 0,5 million people. While being one of the largest producers of oil in Africa, little has been made to improve the living conditions of the people. Corruption is widespread and ordinary people are mostly living in poverty. The gap between rich and poor is probably the largest in the world.

8. Ireland - $45,600

This member of European Union has been often admired as one of the most modern knowledge economies in the world. Ireland is the largest maker of computer software in the world. A study done by The Economist ranked the Celtic Tiger to have the best quality of life in the world.

7. United States – $46,000

What sets the US apart from most other countries in this list is its size. While most other countries in this list are among the smallest in the world the US has a population of over 300 million and a total land area of 3,79 million square miles (9.83 million sq km). The US is also home to the largest amount of billionaires in the world. It is speculated that as many billionaires live in the US as in the rest of the world.

6. Singapore – $48,900

This country tiny country consist of 63 island and some mainland with a total area of only 270 square miles (704 sq km). With Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan it is considered one of the Four Asian Tigers. Singapore has the busiest port in the world and is the 4th largest foreign exchange trading center in the world. Singapore is widely believed to be the most business-friendly economy in the world.

5. United Arab Emirates – $55,200

This oil and natural gas rich country has a highly developed economy which makes it one of the most developed in the world. Having more money than they know what to do with, they have built numerous artificial islands and are currently building the worlds highest structure – Burj Dubai. When finished it will be 818 meters tall, being about 2 times as high as the Empire State Building in New York. It is estimated that about 1/4th of the total construction going on in the world is taking place in Dubai – the largest city in United Arab Emirates.

4. Kuwait – $55,300

In Arabic Kuwait translates to “Fortress built near water”. In addition to being on the coast of the Persian Gulf this country has well known neighbors like Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Kuwait has the worlds fifth largest proven oil reserves – about 10% of the worlds total. Being a country without taxes, about 80% of the governments revenue comes from exporting oil. Having the the second-most free economy in the Middle East, Kuwait has one of the fastest growing economies in the region. (Thanks to Alsab3a from Stumbleupon for a little tip!)

3. Norway – $55,600

Norway is one of the few highly developed countries in Europe tthat are not part of the European Union. This oil and natural gas rich country has living costs more than 30% higher than in the United States. In 2006 only Russia and Saudi Arabia exported more oil than Norway.

2. Qatar – $75,900

This Arabic speaking country has less than million people and gained independence from Great Britain only in 1971. Qatar used to be a poor Islamic country but since the discovery of oil and natural gas in the 1940s, it is completely transformed. With no income tax it is one of the least taxed countries in the world, while still offering most of its services to the population for free. (Who needs tax when you have all this oil and gas money coming in).

In 2009 Qatar is also expected to be the fastest growing economy in the world!

1. Luxembourg – $80,800

This tiny country with a total population of less than 500 000 is a true European miracle. By tiny we mean the 8 smallest country in the world. From top to bottom it’s only about 50 miles and at its widest about 30 miles.

http://www.financialjesus.com

Richest Man in the World - Bill Gates

The global economic crisis has reduced the number of billionaires and made the richest people in the world poorer, according to Forbes magazine.

Forbes found 793 billionaires in 2009, down 30 percent from a year earlier. This is the first decline since 2003.

The total net worth of people on the magazine's list this year fell 46 percent to $2.4 trillion. The average billionaire is now worth $3 billion, 23 percent less than in 2008.

Despite losing $18 billion in the past year, Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates reclaimed the title of richest man in the world, with a total net worth of $40 billion.

Warren Buffett is No. 2, with $37 billion. He lost $25 billion in the past year as shares in his company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., dropped nearly a third in value.

Mexican telecom titan Carlos Slim Helu, who lost $25 billion, is third, and Oracle Corp. Chief Executive Larry Ellison is No. 4.

The latest list includes citizens of 52 countries and one principality. Americans hold 10 of the top 20 spots, compared with four last year.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, at No. 17, is the only member of the top 20 whose net worth climbed during the past year. Bloomberg, who makes a salary of $1 a year as mayor, benefited from a re-evaluation of his company, Bloomberg LP. He also bought a 20 percent stake in his company from cash-strapped Merrill Lynch in July for $4.5 billion.

Thirty-two Russians made Forbes' list, down nearly two-thirds from the 2008 total.

Source: www.foxnews.com

P-Square officially apologised to fans about Guinness 250 Anniversary

P-Square has officially apologised to their fans concerning their actions on the night of the Guinness 250 Anniversary concert at the Oceanview Restaurant, V/I...

“Our actions were in the heat of the moment and we say sorry to all our fans who expressed their disappointment in one way or the other. What happened was as a result of breakdown in communication between us and the organisers.

The relationship between us, 2face and Guinness remain strong and we all look forward to continuing to work together in the future to provide music lovers and Guinness fans with great experiences.”

Guinness on their part through their brand manager, Ohimai Atafo, also responded in like manner.

“We have no problems with P-Square; we totally understand their actions and look forward to future collaborations with them.” *

Source: Encomium Magazine.

Latest: President Barack Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize

From Yahoo news Today:

President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in a stunning decision designed to build momentum behind his initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism.

Obama said he was surprised and deeply humbled by the honor, and planned to travel to Oslo to accept the prize, which he said he does not see "as a recognition of my own accomplishments," but rather as a recognition of goals he has set for the United States and the world.

"I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many transformative figures that have been honored by this prize," Obama said.

Many observers were shocked by the unexpected choice so early in the Obama presidency, which began less than two weeks before the Feb. 1 nomination deadline and has yet to yield concrete achievements in peacemaking.

Some around the world objected to the choice of Obama, who still oversees wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has launched deadly counter-terror strikes in Pakistan and Somalia.

Members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee said their choice could be seen as an early vote of confidence in Obama intended to build global support for his policies. They lauded the change in global mood wrought by Obama's calls for peace and cooperation, and praised his pledges to reduce the world stock of nuclear arms, ease American conflicts with Muslim nations and strengthen the U.S. role in combating climate change.

Aagot Valle, a lawmaker for the Socialist Left party who joined the committee this year, said she hoped the selection would be viewed as "support and a commitment for Obama."

"And I hope it will be an inspiration for all those that work with nuclear disarmament and disarmament," she told The Associated Press in a rare interview. Members of the Nobel peace committee usually speak only through its chairman.

The peace prize was created partly to encourage ongoing peace efforts but Obama's efforts are at far earlier stages than past winners'. The Nobel committee acknowledged that they may not bear fruit at all.

"He got the prize because he has been able to change the international climate," Nobel Committee chairman Thorbjoern Jagland said. "Some people say, and I understand it, isn't it premature? Too early? Well, I'd say then that it could be too late to respond three years from now. It is now that we have the opportunity to respond — all of us."

After the prize was announced, Jagland compared the decision to give it to Obama to the prize was given to German Chancellor Willy Brandt in 1971 for his "Ostpolitik" policy of trying to find common ground with Eastern Europe, which was under Communist sway.

He said the same thing was true when then-Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev got the prize in 1990 after he had launched perestroika and glasnost, and allowed Eastern Europe to emerge from Kremlin control.

The selection to some extent reflects a trans-Atlantic divergence on Obama. In Europe and much of the world he is lionized for bringing the United States closer to mainstream global thinking on issues like climate change and multilateralism. At home, the picture is more complicated. As president, Obama is often criticized as he attempts to carry out his agenda — drawing fire over a host of issues from government spending to health care to the conduct of the war in Afghanistan.

U.S. Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele contended that Obama won the prize as a result of his "star power" rather than meaningful accomplishments.

"The real question Americans are asking is, What has President Obama actually accomplished?" Steele said.

Obama's election and foreign policy moves caused a dramatic improvement in the image of the U.S. around the world. A 25-nation poll of 27,000 people released in July by the Pew Global Attitudes Project found double-digit boosts to the percentage of people viewing the U.S. favorably in countries around the world. That indicator had plunged across the world under President George W. Bush.

Asked whether the prize could be seen as praising Obama's reversal of Bush administration policies, Inger-Marie Ytterhorn, a senior political adviser to the right-wing populist Progress Party told the AP that: "I guess you could read it like that."

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who has made no secret of his admiration for Obama, called the decision the embodiment of the "return of America into the hearts of the people of the world."

But Obama's work is far from done, on numerous fronts.

He said he would end the Iraq war but has been slow to bring the troops home and the real end of the U.S. military presence there won't come until at least 2012.

He's running a second war in the Muslim world, in Afghanistan — and is seriously considering ramping up the number of U.S. troops on the ground and asking for help from others, too.

"I don't think Obama deserves this. I don't know who's making all these decisions. The prize should go to someone who has done something for peace and humanity," said Ahmad Shabir, 18-year-old student in Kabul. "Since he is the president, I don't see any change in U.S. strategy in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Obama has said that battling climate change is a priority. But the U.S. seems likely to head into crucial international negotiations set for Copenhagen in December with Obama-backed legislation still stalled in Congress.

Former Polish President Lech Walesa, who won the prize in 1983, questioned whether Obama deserved it now.

"So soon? Too early. He has no contribution so far. He is still at an early stage. He is only beginning to act," Walesa said.

"This is probably an encouragement for him to act. Let's see if he perseveres. Let's give him time to act," Walesa said.

Unlike the other Nobel Prizes, which are awarded by Swedish institutions, the peace prize is given out by a five-member committee elected by the Norwegian Parliament. Like the Parliament, the committee has a leftist slant, with three members elected by left-of-center parties. Jagland said the decision to honor Obama was unanimous.

The award appeared to be at least partly a slap at Bush from a committee that harshly criticized Obama's predecessor for his largely unilateral military action in the wake of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

"Those who were in support of Bush in his belief in war solving problems, on rearmament, and that nuclear weapons play an important role ... probably won't be happy," said Valle, the Nobel Committee member.

The Nobel committee praised Obama's creation of "a new climate in international politics" and said he had returned multilateral diplomacy and institutions like the U.N. to the center of the world stage.

"You have to remember that the world has been in a pretty dangerous phase," Jagland said. "And anybody who can contribute to getting the world out of this situation deserves a Nobel Peace Prize."

Until seconds before the award, speculation had focused on a wide variety of candidates besides Obama: Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, a Colombian senator, a Chinese dissident and an Afghan woman's rights activist, among others. The Nobel committee received a record 205 nominations for this year's prize, though it was not immediately apparent who nominated Obama.

Obama is the third sitting U.S. president to win the award: President Theodore RooseveltPresident Woodrow Wilson was awarded the prize in 1919. won in 1906 and

Wilson received the prize for his role in founding the League of Nations, the hopeful but ultimately failed precursor to the contemporary United Nations.

The Nobel committee chairman said after awarding the 2002 prize to former Democratic President Jimmy Carter, for his mediation in international conflicts, that it should be seen as a "kick in the leg" to the Bush administration's hard line in the buildup to the Iraq war.

Five years later, the committee honored Bush's adversary in the 2000 presidential election, Al Gore, for his campaign to raise awareness about global warming.

In July talks in Moscow, Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev agreed that their negotiators would work out a new limit on delivery vehicles for nuclear warheads of between 500 and 1,100. They also agreed that warhead limits would be reduced from the current range of 1,700-2,200 to as low as 1,500. The United States now has about 2,200 such warheads, compared to about 2,800 for the Russians.

But there has been no word on whether either side has started to act on the reductions.

Former Peace Prize winner Mohamed ElBaradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, said Obama has already provided outstanding leadership in the effort to prevent nuclear proliferation.

"In less than a year in office, he has transformed the way we look at ourselves and the world we live in and rekindled hope for a world at peace with itself," ElBaradei said. "He has shown an unshakable commitment to diplomacy, mutual respect and dialogue as the best means of resolving conflicts."

Obama also has attempted to restart stalled talks between the Israelis and Palestinians, but just a day after Obama hosted the Israeli and Palestinian leaders in New York, Israeli officials boasted that they had fended off U.S. pressure to halt settlement construction. Moderate Palestinians said they felt undermined by Obama's failure to back up his demand for a freeze.

Obama was to meet with his top advisers on the Afghan war on Friday to consider a request by Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, to send as many as 40,000 more troops to Afghanistan as the U.S war there enters its ninth year.

Obama ordered 21,000 additional troops to Afghanistan earlier this year and has continued the use of unmanned drones for attacks on militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan, a strategy devised by the Bush administration. The attacks often kill or injure civilians living in the area.

Nominators for the prize include former laureates; current and former members of the committee and their staff; members of national governments and legislatures; university professors of law, theology, social sciences, history and philosophy; leaders of peace research and foreign affairs institutes; and members of international courts of law.

In his 1895 will, Alfred Nobel stipulated that the peace prize should go "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations and the abolition or reduction of standing armies and the formation and spreading of peace congresses."

The committee has taken a wide interpretation of Nobel's guidelines, expanding the prize beyond peace mediation to include efforts to combat poverty, disease and climate change.

___

Associated Press writers Ian MacDougall in Oslo, Rahim Faiez in Kabul, Celean Jacobson in Johannesburg, George Jahn in Vienna, Monika Scislowska in Warsaw, Poland, Matti Huuhtanen in Helsinki and Jennifer Loven in Washington contributed to this report.